Zimbabweans say a heavy police presence, especially in Johannesburg and Limpopo, suggests the contrary.
Human rights groups and individual Zimbabweans have raised complaints of police harassment, with some of them having been detained at various police stations for having no proper documents. Otherse been deported through an underground clampdown code-named “Operation Clean-up”.
But Home Affairs’ deputy director-general, Jackie McKay, said last week this was not part of a government-sanctioned operation.
“I do not know how to deal with myths and legends with regard to the deportation of Zimbabweans,” said McKay. “And I do not know about trucks being parked anywhere to deport Zimbabweans. We will complete the documentation process and if anyone is found in the country without the proper documentation, irrespective of your nationality, you will be deported.”
He admitted there were daily arrests of Zimbabwean but said none had been deported.
“There are Zimbabweans who are arrested on a daily basis because they cannot produce the required documents,” said McKay.
“However once they are taken to our offices and we are able to verify that they are indeed awaiting permits, they are released. Zimbabweans don’t walk around with signs on their foreheads identifying themselves as Zimbabwean. We have not deported any Zimbabwean for at least two years. The only Zimbabweans who have been deported are those who have served prison terms and have been deported upon their release.”
Post published in: News